Institutional Learning in Offshore Wind Procurement: A Within- and Between-State Analysis of Six East Coast States

• In Event: Policy Pathways in Energy and Aviation Transitions

Abstract

The development of the U.S. offshore wind (OSW) sector has been challenged by shifting economic conditions, political headwinds, and supply chain challenges. This tumultuous context has required  creative institutional responses and learning. Here, we investigate how East Coast states have adapted OSW procurement in response to economic shocks and project failures from 2018 to 2024. OSW procurement refers to the process by which states solicit bids from developers to build offshore wind projects and sell electricity to states or state-regulated utilities through long-term contracts. Employing content analysis of 16 competitive solicitations across six states, we apply an institutional learning framework to examine how states are engaging in learning processes and embedding lessons into revised policies and practices. We consider both within-state and between-state learning. We also assess whether changes—such as inflation adjusters—have mitigated risks and reduced contract terminations. Our findings inform policy recommendations for strengthening OSW procurement and contribute to the emerging literature on institutional learning in energy transitions, with OSW as a key example of a new complex social decision domain.

Authors

• Tyler Alan Hansen, Dartmouth College
  Non-Presenting Co-Author

• Stephanie Lenhart, Boise State University
  Non-Presenting Co-Author

• Elizabeth J. Wilson, Dartmouth College
  Presenting Author